Optical Engineer (Starshield)
SpaceX · Hawthorne, CA
Posted about a month ago · $105,000.00 - $140,000.00
or apply directly on SpaceX's site. We never take the application ourselves.
Is this posting real?
- This role has been open
- 30 days SpaceX's roles stay open a median of 45 days
- Reposted
- No
- Salary listed
- Yes 52% of SpaceX's roles list one
- Ghost-job risk at SpaceX
- high 1459 stale, 43 reposted of 2,362 open
- Hiring momentum
- 3062 roles opened in the last 90 days ↑ up vs. the prior 90 days
- Last confirmed on the employer's board
- 2026-09-17
Measured from postings appearing on and disappearing from SpaceX's own greenhouse board since 2026-08-03. Full hiring picture for SpaceX.
About this role
As an Optical Engineer for Starshield at SpaceX, you will be involved in the design, validation, and operation of free-space optical systems, focusing on laser communication terminals and imaging products. Your role will include applying optics knowledge to system development, leading optical architecture definitions, and collaborating with various teams to ensure successful implementation of optical technologies for government applications.
- benefits
- 5/5
- freshness
- 4/5
- career value
- 5/5
- role clarity
- 5/5
- pay transparency
- 5/5
Scored from the posting itself — how clearly the role is described, how much it says about pay and benefits, and how recently it was listed. Not a judgement of SpaceX as an employer.
What you need
- Bachelor’s degree in optical engineering, physics, or other engineering/STEM discipline
- 2+ years of hands-on laboratory or work experience in optics, photonics, laser technology, or electrical/mechanical design or testing
- 1+ years of experience in a computer programming language (e.g. C++, MATLAB, and/or Python)
Nice to have
- Master's degree or PhD in physics or an engineering discipline
- Proficiency with optical analysis tools such as Zemax
- Hands-on experience in optical design or system design, integration, and test of laser communication systems
- Experience with mixed-signal circuits, processors, FPGAs, Ethernet, SERDES, DRAM interfaces (DDR4), I2C, SPI, operational amplifiers, analog to digital and digital to analog converters, and power supply components
- Opto-mechanical design and analysis experience with precision mounting and steering mechanisms
What you get
- Pay Range: Level 1: $105,000.00 - $140,000.00; Level 2: $120,000.00 - $170,000.00
- Long-term incentives, in the form of company stock or long-term cash awards
- Potential discretionary bonuses
- Ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan
- Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage
- Access to a 401(k) retirement plan
Worth weighing
- Working extended hours and weekends as needed
- Active clearance may be required for sensitive missions, subjecting you to drug and alcohol testing
- Compensation is determined on a case-by-case basis, which may affect salary expectations
Summarised from SpaceX's posting. Read the full original.
Listed by SpaceX on their greenhouse job board, last confirmed open on 2026-09-17. PitchMeAI is not the employer.
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